Acura unveils much-anticipated TLX sedan in Detroit

The new Acura TLX Prototype vehicle is revealed at the press preview of the 2014 North American International Auto Show January 14, 2014 in Detroit, Michigan.

Bill Pugliano, Getty Images

The Acura TLX Concept.

Alexandra Straub, Driving

The Acura TLX Concept.

Alexandra Straub, Driving

The Acura TLX Concept.

Alexandra Straub, Driving

The Acura TLX Concept.

Alexandra Straub, Driving

The Acura TLX Concept.

Alexandra Straub, Driving

No company keeps a tighter lid on the release of its new product information than Acura. Before the launch of the TLX in Detroit, all that we knew about the company’s latest attempt at yet another entry-level luxury sedan was that it would have two engine options. Not what engines they would be, mind you. Not any info on power, fuel efficiency or even how many pistons were involved (or if, in fact, there were pistons involved) with either. Just the fact that there were two engines.

The Acura TLX Concept.Alexandra Straub /
Driving

So, unlike many of the other product launches at the Detroit Auto Show that are well known before the gates even open, there was some actual anticipation to Acura’s display.

It’s probably a good thing they kept a lid on the entire affair because the information they did release was minimal. Yes, the TLX (officially dubbed a “prototype”) gets two engines — a 2.4-litre direct injection four and a 3.5-litre V6 — mated to new transmissions — an eight-speed dual-clutch affair for the 2.4L and a nine-speed autobox for the V6, this last with a push-button gear selector — but, despite proclaiming such marketing bumpf as “instinctively responsive” there was nary a horsepower mentioned.

The Acura TLX Concept.Alexandra Straub /
Driving

Two versions of the new improved chassis — stiffer with more body sealing for tighter handling and reduced noise says Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of automobile operations — sees the four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive version come standard with Acura’s P-AWS all wheel steering and the 3.5L available with the company’s latest version of Super Handling – All Wheel Drive. Accavitti also claimed that the TLX will have the largest interior volume if any car in its segment, but no specifics were proffered. That said, the TLX is the best-looking Acura sedan in quite some time, a departure from the more somnolent TLs of recent years.

To build the TLX’s sporting bona fides, Accavitti also announced that Acura is joining the world of GT racing with a brace of twin-turbo TLX GTs being run by Real Time Racing’s Peter Cunningham in the Pirelli World Challenge Series.